By Helina Bailey
On Monday, November 28th, a group of hardworking students at Union County High School received special recognition for going above and beyond the school standards. These youngsters were surprised to find their names emblazed on a plaque from Ace Hardware when they were called into the business technology classroom during lunch.
The plaque provided by Ace Hardware recognizes their academic achievements in having pursued industry credentials from Express Employment Professionals and Center for Financial Responsibility. Both companies are leaders in the industry, providing certifications that are not only nationally recognized but often required for many positions. Union County High School requires students to take a certain amount of financial literacy and business courses with the option to continue on and pursue certifications that will give them a leg up when it comes to employment opportunities.
According to the Tennessee Department of Education, “industry credentials (IC) are earned through secondary and postsecondary career and technical education programs and courses. High school students are encouraged to focus their elective credits on robust, career-aligned learning pathways. As it pertains to industry credentials, all department-promoted credentials are aligned with postsecondary and employment opportunities and with the competencies and skills that students should have acquired through their chosen programs of study.”
Senior, Tessa Ray, had this to say about her financial literacy courses she took in order to receive her credentials, “taking these business classes has enhanced my opportunities for jobs after high school.” In order to be eligible for her certification, Tessa studied accounting and learned about the stock market, in addition to learning how to balance a checkbook and pay bills. She currently has stock in Amazon and plans to pursue a career in dental hygiene after graduating from high school in a few months. She is certainly ahead of the curve and her peers, so I am sure she will find success in whatever she chooses to do!
In order for students to receive their certifications in business, they had to study a multitude of business programs and become proficient in them. Some of these include excel spreadsheets, word processors, power point, and outlook. It is quite impressive to see these ambitious young adults with such strong resumes while still in high school!
Special recognition goes to the following students for completing their industry credentials in Business Office Technology and Personal Financial Literacy. Bravo!
Business Office Technology:
Seth Begley, Lana Booker, Cameron Campbell, Saria Chapell, Aidan Cronnin, Roy Earley, Gage Flatford, Tyler Graham, Emily Hughett, Rylee Hurst, Corbin Larue, Ellie Lockwood, Jeremiah Lowe, Isaac McClure, Daniel Moore, Maria Moore, Jerimiah Moshe, Alexzander Phillips, Josh Roberson, Hunter Smith, Ivan Vargas, Jared Weaver, Devon Wilson, Noah Wolfenbarger.
Personal Financial Literacy:
Tessa Ray, Elija Welch, Britney Zamarron